CHAPTER II.THE MIGRATIONS OF THE NATIONS

ALTHOUGHMORE NUMEROUS THAN THE invaders, the Roman Provincials were, for various reasons, unable to prevent these invasions. The frontier of the Empire was so extended that the army was no longer able to guard the whole of it, even if it had earnestly desired to do so. Having been deprived of a share in the government, the Provincials had lost their patriotism and warlike spirit, and no longer took an intelligent and enthusiastic interest in the affairs of state. They were cringing and spiritless, and in personal prowess no match for the Germans.

The causes of the migrations were often complex. Hunger, whether caused by the failure of crops, the rapid increase of population, or the devastations of war, sometimes compelled a tribe to seek a better location. The Germans knew something of the more favorable conditions of life in the south, and coveted the lands and property of the Romans. Occasionally a tribe was driven from its home by a more powerful invader.

During the second century of our era the Goths left their home on the Vistula, moved slowly to the south, and settled in two groups on the Danube and the Black Sea. These groups, from their relative positions, came to be known as the East Goths and West Goths. During the next hundred years they made frequent invasions into the territory of the Empire, sacking many towns in Asia Minor and in the Balkan Peninsula, and carrying off much booty. In 262a.d. they burnt the temple of Artemis (Diana) at Ephesus. Several Emperors were compelled to fight them; Constantine finally put an end to their incursions, and succeeded in establishing peaceful relations with them. Under the influence of the Empire they took the first steps in civilization. They had commerce with the Romans, from whom they learned a system of weights and measures, and coinage. They became familiar with the Roman modes of life, dress, and customs. From Christian prisoners, merchants, exiles, and missionaries, they learned something of Christianity. A Gothic bishop from the Crimea was present at the Council of Nicaea (325). Ulfilas (311-81) was their most noted missionary. Of Gothic parentage, he spent several years at Constantinople, where he became a Christian of the Arian type. About 340, having reached the canonical age, he was ordained as a missionary bishop to the Goths. In order that the Goths